REVIEW: Savannah Summer Solstice a new star

Through rain and shine, folks turned out in droves for the Savannah Summer Solstice Music & Arts Festival at Red Gate Farm.

Offering a new music experience for locals, Solstice fused the attractions of cross-country festivals like Wanderlust and Firefly for a peaceful three-day destination of dancing, camping and vibing to the sounds of summer.

Saturday’s full day of entertainment began with a yoga session in the morning followed by a “Wake-Up Call” performance by local powerhouse rockers CUSSES at the Aurora Amphitheater, a woody stage fixated at the edge of the water.

A steady tide of attendees moved through the fields for most of the afternoon, but things really kicked off with reggae-rock band Passafire as folks peeled away from their blankets to dance in the open space or in front of the stage.

And while the supermoon we were hoping for didn’t show up until the following evening, skywatchers weren’t complaining about the majestic lunar glow illuminating the fields as the electric Archnemesis prepared to close the night.

With a blinding and adrenaline-pumping show, Archnemesis was hardly the end of the night for most of the crowd. A late-night after-party followed in the big red barn, where music continued as early as 4 a.m with bands like The Mantras and Word of Mouth.

As the energy mounted through the day, the spirit of Summer Solstice stayed true to the organizers’ intentions for a family-friendly event.

Bare-footed and adorned in tie-dye, folks browsed by tents supporting local artists and shopped for band merchandise while feasting on the best of local festival food.

Kids blew bubbles and tumbled around the grass while the grown-ups kept a close eye and joined in the timeless hippie creed to promote love and unity.

And stretched across the 200-acre farm were hidden opportunities to duck away from the crowds to enjoy the view as the music reduced to an audible hum.

As a well-known and respected force behind Savannah’s live music scene, Danny Robertson and his sons, Daniel Jr. and Brenden, are the perfect people to spearhead this promising event they hope to throw twice a year.

These early days of Summer Solstice will be the ones that are cherished for folks who’ve been a part of the movement since the beginning. Because while Summer Solstice has all the right makings to become a huge attraction of epic rock fest proportions, the modest crowds and up-and-coming music acts uphold a tame and alternative approach to enjoying live music in the Hostess City of the South.

Head to spotted.savannahnow.com to view more photos from the Savannah Summer Solstice Music & Arts Festival.